2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumThere Are 868 Fewer Places to Vote in 2016 Because the Supreme Court Gutted the Voting Rights Act
Nearly half of counties that previously approved voting changes with the federal government have cut polling places this election.
When Aracely Calderon, a naturalized US citizen from Guatemala, went to vote in downtown Phoenix just before the polls closed in Arizonas March 22 presidential primary, there were more than 700 people in a line stretching four city blocks. She waited in line for five hours, becoming the last voter in the state to cast a ballot at 12:12 am. Im here to exercise my right to vote, she said shortly before midnight, explaining why she stayed in line. Others left without voting because they didnt have four or five hours to spare.
https://www.thenation.com/article/there-are-868-fewer-places-to-vote-in-2016-because-the-supreme-court-gutted-the-voting-rights-act/
just one in dozens of reasons Hillary Lost, add them up and you have a Trump Presidency!
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)polling places on the final Tuesday in places like Arizona.
I'm searching for plausible answers too, but don't think that is one. One can probably make a case lines hurt GOPers too.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)To the point lines are almost non-existent. Early voting is great but it's clear a lot of people still vote on Election Day. More polling locations need to be opened in many areas.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)More polling places won't be properly supervised. In any event, I'm not sure more or less polling places would or did help or hurt us. I started early voting after the last time I stood in line in 2004 next to obnoxious white wingers. Again, I know it's not an option for some, but it should be.
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)I know. Three hour plus lines suppresses the vote. There is not question about that.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)getting people to the polls on election day, we need to help them request their mail in ballot and get it mailed back in long before the final day.
I'm sorry -- except in states where there is no early voting and no chance of enacting it -- there is not much excuse for waiting to the last minute knowing a line, an illness, family emergencies, weather, job responsibilities, laziness, etc., might keep one from voting.
I assume you are from NC. As I understand it, you don't need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. It's a simple on-line process to get your ballot. Do it on your computer, at a library, or at Democratic (or god forbid GOPer) headquarters, or even have someone come by and get your information. Standing in line should be obsolete, especially on the very last day when anything can happen.
AirmensMom
(14,643 posts)Had lines all the way down the road, every day. It's a red state, so we all know who they were voting for. Early voting helps, but not enough.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)In Arizona, one can do the same. There is just no excuse in states like that. Not being argumentative. We need to encourage people to vote the easiest way possible. Early voting and mail in ballots are simple.
AirmensMom
(14,643 posts)And you need to apply for each election unless it's a permanent disability. In that case, you need to have a doc fill out the form. It's ridiculous. I'd like to never stand in line again with the racist trash that lives and votes here. During primaries, I get shit from the poll workers who are convinced that I got the wrong ballot. I hate it here, and it's not even like I can make a difference.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Unfortunately, it's not state wide. I'm lucky, I'm kind of a loaner anyway, so I don't associate with many.
Hope things get better.
msongs
(67,420 posts)MFM008
(19,816 posts)Write in. Like here in WA. No lines just drop in mail at your convenience.